He and the other driver, Sara Lynn Ward, 30, of Walnut, were flown to separate hospitals, Johnson said. Ambriz was taken to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana.

Ward’s condition was not released. She was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, but officials wouldn’t elaborate.

Orange police turned over the investigation to the CHP because the crash involved an elected city official.

Ambriz, who grew up in Orange and served as a manager with the Orange County Health Care Agency, was elected to the City Council in November 2002.

He was known for trying to get residents to volunteer with community organizations, Councilwoman Carolyn Cavecche said.

Ambriz was committed to a number of groups, including the Orange YMCA, American Cancer Society and Orangewood Children’s Home.

He had an air about him, Cavecche said.

“Things just rolled off him,” she said. “He bounced through life with his own energy and it didn’t matter what people thought.”

Ambriz was a tall, burly guy who fancied his bright-blue Hawaiian shirt.

“We could see him a mile away,” Cavecche said. “Steve would’ve worn it to a City Council meeting if he wanted to.”

Ambriz loved the Angels and his alma mater, Cal State Fullerton.

He graduated from the university in 1994 and began his career in public service with the city of Orange.

Ambriz also worked for then-County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, advancing from field representative to chief of staff.

“He was tall and big. Just his size makes you think he was a tough guy, but he had a heart that resonated goldenness,” said Spitzer, now a state assemblyman. “No one has more compassion or caring about the community and safety for children. I’m just broke up about this.”

Ambriz taught CPR classes and started a major campaign in Orange to remind parents to put their children in car safety seats, Spitzer said.

“His passion was making sure that parents knew how to properly administer first aid to children. He was always looking out to make people safe,” Spitzer said.

Ambriz is survived by his wife, Bridget, and their daughter, Kaitlyn, 3.

“Steve was such a generous person,” Orange County sheriff’s spokesman Jon Fleischman said. “A giving husband and dad, a generous friend, and committed to public service. He loved being on the City Council. He will be missed.”

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